Deconstructing Macromolecules Into Useful Molecules
In the DOE-BES Supported Energy Frontier Research Center, part of the research has focused on the bio-inspired processive macromolecular mechanism for polyolefin deconstruction. This approach employs hydrogenolysis as a means to break C-C bond in the polymer chains; however, the most important feature is the placement of all the catalytic sites at a specific location with each pore. Our synthetic control over catalyst architecture has provided means to study the effects of catalytic architecture on the deconstruction process. Pore diameter, length, and catalyst site placement can all be used to systematically shorten or lengthen products’ chain length, affect yields, and alter selectivity.
